Introduction
Carrots are not only vibrant and nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. From roasting to baking, carrots can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. In this article, we present detailed recipes from Love and Lemons that highlight the humble carrot in four delightful preparations: Roasted Carrots, Carrot Salad, Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt, and Vegan Carrot Cake.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Roasted Carrots
– 1 pound carrots (about 1 large or 2 medium bunches), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Carrot Salad
– 1 pound carrots, julienned
– 3 Medjool dates, pitted and diced
– ¼ cup chopped pistachios
– ⅓ cup finely chopped cilantro
– ¼ cup mint leaves (optional)
For the dressing:
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 small garlic clove, grated
– ¼ teaspoon cumin
– ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt
– 1 bunch carrots
– ½ garlic clove, minced
– Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
– Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the cilantro yogurt:
– Heaping ½ cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1-2 teaspoons agave or honey
– 1 teaspoon minced onion or onion powder
– ½ medium or large garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– ½ teaspoon brown mustard seeds
– ¼ cup chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish
– Sea salt
Vegan Carrot Cake
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup almond milk
– 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup cane sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar
– 1 cup sunflower oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups finely grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– ½ cup raisins (optional)
For the frosting:
– 1 cup raw macadamia nuts, soaked and drained
– 1 cup raw cashews, soaked and drained
– ¼ cup almond milk
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Prep Time
– Roasted Carrots: 10 minutes
– Carrot Salad: 15 minutes
– Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt: 10 minutes
– Vegan Carrot Cake: 20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– Roasted Carrots: 15-25 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Yield: 4 servings
– Carrot Salad: N/A (no cooking required), Total Time: 15 minutes, Yield: 4 servings
– Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt: 20 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes, Yield: 4 servings
– Vegan Carrot Cake: 30-40 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour, Yield: 12 servings
These recipes showcase the versatility of carrots, allowing them to shine in various dishes. Whether roasted, raw, or baked, carrots add a delightful flavor and nutrition to your meals. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious recipes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Roasted Carrots
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15 to 25 minutes, or until fork-tender and lightly browned but not mushy.
5. Remove from the oven, season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Carrot Salad
1. Place the julienned carrots in a large bowl and sprinkle the diced dates on top.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, honey, garlic, cumin, and salt.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the carrots and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and cilantro, and toss again.
5. Garnish with mint leaves, if using, and serve.
Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Depending on the size of your carrots, slice them lengthwise in half or quarters.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. While the carrots are roasting, prepare the cilantro yogurt by combining all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing well.
6. Once the carrots are roasted, serve them with the cilantro yogurt, garnished with reserved cilantro.
Vegan Carrot Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar, letting it sit for a few minutes.
4. Add the cane sugar, brown sugar, sunflower oil, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture and stir well.
5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots and optional walnuts or pecans and raisins.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Roasted Carrots
– Ensure carrots are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
– Adjust roasting time according to the thickness of the carrot pieces.
Carrot Salad
– Feel free to customize with additional nuts or herbs according to your preference.
– Letting the salad sit for a few minutes can help the flavors meld.
Roasted Carrots & Cilantro Yogurt
– Experiment with other herbs in the yogurt for different flavor profiles.
– Don’t skip the flipping step to ensure even roasting.
Vegan Carrot Cake
– For a more intense flavor, consider adding crushed pineapple to the batter.
– The frosting can also be flavored with different extracts or sweeteners as desired.
Cook techniques
Roasting Carrots
Roasting carrots enhances their natural sweetness and brings out a caramelized flavor. The key is to cut them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and to use high heat for optimal browning.
Making Carrot Salad
Julienning carrots is an essential technique for ensuring they absorb the dressing and provide a pleasant crunch. Combine fresh herbs and other ingredients to create a vibrant salad that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Preparing Cilantro Yogurt
Creating cilantro yogurt involves mixing plain yogurt with fresh herbs, seasonings, and garlic. This creamy sauce complements roasted carrots beautifully, adding a refreshing flavor contrast.
Baking Vegan Carrot Cake
For a vegan carrot cake, combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before mixing. The choice of oils and alternative milks ensures a moist texture, while grated carrots keep the cake tender.
FAQ
Why should I roast carrots at a high temperature?
Roasting at a high temperature helps caramelize the sugars in the carrots, resulting in a sweeter and more flavorful dish while keeping the texture firm.
How do I julienne carrots effectively?
To julienne carrots, first peel and trim them, then slice them into thin planks. Stack the planks and cut them into thin matchsticks for an even, attractive presentation.
Can I use different nuts in the carrot salad?
Yes, you can substitute pistachios with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor.
What’s the purpose of soaking nuts for the frosting?
Soaking nuts softens them, making them easier to blend into a creamy frosting and enhancing the texture of the final product.
Can I add other spices to the vegan carrot cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices such as cardamom, ginger, or even lemon zest to enhance the flavor profile of the carrot cake.
Conclusion
Carrots are a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods. Roasted, raw, or in a cake, they bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, making them a favorite in both savory and sweet recipes. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a delightful dessert, these carrot recipes showcase their flexibility and flavor.
Roasted Carrots with Herbs
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist on the classic roasted carrots.
Carrot and Apple Slaw
Combine shredded carrots and apples with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing slaw that pairs well with grilled meats.
Carrot Soup
Blend roasted or sautéed carrots with vegetable broth, ginger, and coconut milk for a creamy and comforting soup.
Carrot Muffins
Incorporate grated carrots into your muffin batter for a nutritious breakfast option that’s sweetened with ripe bananas or applesauce.
Stir-Fried Carrots with Ginger
Quickly sauté julienned carrots with ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired side dish.
